§ 47. Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress of current negotiations on nurses' pay.
§ Mr. FowlerI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Members for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher), Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton) and Wood Green (Mr. Race) earlier today.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the latest position on the settlement of the pay of nurses; and what proposals there are to improve their more permanent wage negotiation position, particularly taking into consideration comparable understanding shown towards similar essential workers in the community such as the police and firemen.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Members for Oldham West, (Mr. Meacher), Fife, Central (Mr. Hamilton), and Wood Green (Mr. Race) earlier today. On more permanent improvements, we are committed to developing more satisfactory long-term arrangements for nurses' pay, and my right hon. Friend circulated a paper to both sides of the Nurses and Midwives Whitley Council setting out his views on possible approaches with suggestions for taking matters further. He hopes to discuss this with both sides of the Whitley Council shortly.